Spain by train
Getting the train to Spain is a lot more convenient and comfortable than the uninitiated might imagine. Here, the good folks from Rail Europe show you how.
Barcelona and Madrid are up there with New York, Paris and London when it comes to city breaks. Think world-class culture, mouth-watering gastronomy, fabulous architecture and wild nightlife. And as an added bonus, they're close enough for you to reach without leaving the ground; taking the train to Spain is easier than you think, plus it's far more exciting, more relaxing and more comfortable, not to mention much better for the environment than flying.
Train travel is rapidly growing in popularity, partly thanks to the increasing hassles of air travel: fuel surcharges, charges for checking in bags, lengthy queues, delays and long waits for luggage at the end all detract from your trip. Compare that to taking the train: there are no hidden costs, you can take significantly more luggage and keep it with you all the way, plus you arrive directly at the heart of your destination. And if you think of the journey there as part of your holiday you're extending your trip, not wasting your time!
Taking the Eurostar to France is commonplace nowadays, but few people are aware of just how easy it is to carry on chugging overland to places further away. And, for longer distances such as Barcelona and Madrid, there's the added advantage of taking the train overnight which saves on hotel costs, lets you meet other travellers, catch up on some sleep or simply watch the landscape changing around you. Unlike on board an aeroplane, you're not tied to your seat, meaning you're free to wander down to the bar, stroll the length of the train or simply relax with a book in the privacy of your own cabin.
The train
One of Europe’s best overnight train experiences is the Elipsos Trenhotel. Making ingenious use of every nook and cranny, it’s practically a hotel on rails! A wide range of overnight accommodation options (from reclining seats to hotel-room style Grand Class cabins) cater for all needs and budgets. An onboard à la carte restaurant is available for all to use – dinner and breakfast are included for Grand Class customers, and reservations can be made for dinner for other passengers.
Grand Class cabins include seats, which are converted into beds for the overnight journey, and a private en suite complete with a shower and toiletries pack. At the other end of the scale are super-reclining seats – similar to an aeroplane’s business-class seats. For those travelling on budgets somewhere in between the two, there’s Tourist Class or Club Class. A Tourist Class compartment holds four people, with seats that are converted to beds for the overnight journey, while a Club Class cabin is a roomette for two people and includes breakfast in the restaurant car.
The journey
The Elipsos travels every night from Paris. First, take a Eurostar from either London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Paris Gare du Nord, then take the metro or a taxi to Gare Austerlitz, where the Elipsos overnight service departs from. If you have time, break your journey in Paris; get a morning Eurostar, leave your bags in the left-luggage facility at the Gare Austerlitz and take in some Parisian sights before boarding your overnight train to Barcelona or Madrid.
Rail Europe can book your complete journey, including the Eurostar and Elipsos trains, and provide you with metro tickets for travel within Paris.
As well as Barcelona and Madrid, the Elipsos stops at Valladolid, Burgos, Perpignan, Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Basque Country, Gerona and Figueres on the Costa Brava.
The destinations
Barcelona: The capital of Catalonia and Spain's second city, Barcelona has become one of Europe's most popular city breaks. Famous for the UNESCO World Heritage listed buildings created by celebrated architect Antoni Gaudi, the city has a wealth of attractions including his unfinished masterwork, La Sagrada Familia. The nightlife is some of the best in Spain and there's a strong sporting feel - visit the Olympic village, or pay homage to FC Barcelona with a visit to the Nou Camp Stadium.
Madrid: Spain's capital has culture to spare with several world-class galleries and museums stuffed full with treasures. After a day soaking up the art in the Prado or the Reina Sofia National Art Centre Museum take to the streets to scoff authentic tapas and sample the sparkling life of the city's distinctive barrios. Madrid mixes a heady brew that never fails to captivate.
01 October 2008
